Composer

:

Kaikhosru Sorabji

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

20:51

"St. Bertrand de Comminges" is a monumental piano work composed by Kaikhosru Sorabji between 1915 and 1922. The piece is dedicated to the French pianist Yvonne Lefébure, who premiered it in Paris in 1929. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is a complex and highly virtuosic exploration of the piano's capabilities. The first movement, "Habanera," is a lively and rhythmic dance in triple meter. The music is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, intricate ornamentation, and colorful harmonies. The movement is structured around a series of contrasting episodes, each of which explores different textures and moods. The overall effect is one of exuberance and energy. The second movement, "Quasi Faust," is a dark and brooding meditation on the Faust legend. The music is characterized by its dense and complex textures, dissonant harmonies, and dramatic contrasts of dynamics and tempo. The movement is structured around a series of variations on a theme, each of which explores different aspects of the Faust story. The overall effect is one of intense emotional and intellectual engagement. The third movement, "Valse-Fantaisie," is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases Sorabji's mastery of the piano. The music is characterized by its rapid-fire arpeggios, cascading runs, and intricate figurations. The movement is structured around a series of contrasting episodes, each of which explores different aspects of the waltz form. The overall effect is one of dazzling brilliance and technical prowess. Throughout "St. Bertrand de Comminges," Sorabji demonstrates his deep knowledge of the piano and his ability to push the instrument to its limits. The work is characterized by its complex rhythms, dense textures, and virtuosic demands, as well as its rich and varied harmonic language. It is a towering achievement in the history of piano music, and a testament to Sorabji's unique and visionary approach to composition.

More....